The novel tells the story of Oskar Matzerath, a boy who decides on his third birthday that he will stop growing and remain a three-year-old forever. Oskar is gifted with a tin drum by his mother, which he uses to express his emotions and thoughts. Living in Danzig during the rise of Nazi Germany, Oskar's refusal to grow is a form of protest against the adult world. The book is a blend of magical realism and historical fiction, providing a unique perspective on the horrors of World War II and the post-war era in Germany.

Set in Nazi Germany during World War II, the novel follows the story of a young girl who finds solace in stealing books and sharing them with others. In the midst of the horrors of war, she forms a bond with a Jewish man her foster parents are hiding in their basement. The story is narrated by Death, offering a unique perspective on the atrocities and small acts of kindness during this period. The girl's love for books becomes a metaphor for resistance against the oppressive regime.

"Anniversaries" is a novel that provides a detailed account of a year in the life of Gesine Cresspahl, a German immigrant living in New York City with her young daughter. The narrative unfolds through daily entries, spanning from August 1967 to August 1968, intertwining the protagonist's present-day experiences with her traumatic past in Nazi and post-war East Germany. The novel explores themes of memory, identity, displacement, and the complexities of history, offering a nuanced perspective on the immigrant experience and the lasting impacts of historical trauma.

"The Reader" is a poignant narrative centered around a young German boy's complex relationship with an older woman, who later turns out to be a former Auschwitz guard. Their relationship begins with her teaching him to read, but takes a drastic turn when she disappears, only to reemerge on trial for war crimes. The novel explores themes of guilt, shame, and redemption, as the boy, now a law student, grapples with his feelings for a woman he once loved, but whose past actions he cannot reconcile with.

The book is a historical novel that recounts the War of Canudos, a conflict in late 19th-century Brazil over religious fanaticism, political instability, and social inequality. The story is centered around an apocalyptic movement led by a charismatic, messianic figure who convinces the poor and downtrodden to rise up against the Brazilian government, leading to a brutal and bloody conflict. The book explores themes of faith, power, poverty, and the destructive potential of fervent belief.

"Amongst Women" is a novel that tells the story of Michael Moran, a bitter, aging Irish Republican Army (IRA) veteran, and his relationships with his wife and five children. The narrative explores themes of family, power, love, and the struggle between freedom and control. Moran's domineering personality and the effects of his past experiences in the IRA have a profound impact on his family, shaping their lives and relationships in complex and often destructive ways.

Set in mid-20th century Peru, "Conversation in the Cathedral" is a complex narrative that explores the corruption, decay, and turmoil of the society under the dictatorial rule of Manuel A. Odria. The story mainly revolves around two characters - a wealthy newspaper owner's son and his family's former chauffeur. Their chance meeting leads to a lengthy conversation that unravels the intricate web of political and personal corruption, disillusionment, and lost dreams in their lives and in their country. The novel is a profound examination of the power dynamics, societal decay, and the human condition in a politically oppressive environment.

"The Feast of the Goat" is a historical novel set in the Dominican Republic during the rule of dictator Rafael Trujillo. It follows the story of Urania Cabral, a successful lawyer returning to her homeland after 30 years of self-imposed exile, and her struggle to confront the traumatic past that led to her departure. The narrative alternates between Urania's personal story and the brutal regime of Trujillo, providing a stark depiction of political tyranny and its effects on individual lives.

"A Legacy" is a historical novel that captures the social and political turmoil of early 20th century Germany through the eyes of its protagonist. The story follows a young woman who hails from two distinct families, one being a wealthy Jewish family from Berlin and the other, an aristocratic Catholic family from rural Germany. The narrative provides a detailed account of the protagonist's life, her family's eccentricities, and the eventual downfall of her families amidst the backdrop of the First World War and the Weimar Republic.

"The German Lesson" is a vivid exploration of the moral and cultural conflicts of World War II, set in a small German village. The story is narrated by a young boy who is tasked by his school teacher with an assignment to write an essay on "The Joys of Duty." As his father, a local police officer, is assigned the duty of preventing a popular local artist from painting, the boy finds himself torn between his father's rigid adherence to duty and his own growing appreciation for art and individual expression. The narrative grapples with themes of duty, obedience, and the power of art, providing a thoughtful examination of life under the Nazi regime.

Set during the Holocaust in a Jewish ghetto in Poland, the novel revolves around a man named Jacob who fabricates the news of the Russian Army's advancement to uplift the spirits of his fellow prisoners. However, as his lies gain traction, they become a beacon of hope for the desperate people in the ghetto, leading to unforeseen consequences. The book explores themes of hope, despair, and the power of words, ultimately questioning the morality of lying for a greater good.

"Cat and Mouse" is a novel that centers around a group of boys living in Danzig during World War II. The story is narrated by one of the boys, who recounts the life of his friend, whom they call "the great Mahlke", a boy with a large Adam's apple. Mahlke's attempts to prove himself a hero despite his physical oddity, his obsession with a sunken ship, and his eventual expulsion from school and enlistment in the war form the heart of the narrative. The novel explores themes of identity, guilt, memory, and the devastating impact of war on the individual and society.

"Strumpet City" is a historical novel set in Dublin, Ireland, during the 1913 Dublin Lockout. The narrative follows a diverse group of characters from different social classes as they navigate the struggles and hardships of life during this tumultuous time. The book vividly depicts the poverty, exploitation, and political unrest of the era, offering a rich and detailed portrait of Dublin and its people in the early 20th century.

The novel follows the story of the Faehmel family, spanning three generations, in post-war Germany, focusing on the impact of war and the struggle with the country's Nazi past. The narrative centers around Robert Faehmel, an architect who refuses to build anything after World War II, his father, a World War I veteran, and his son, who is trying to make sense of his family's past. The story is told non-linearly, with the characters' memories, dreams, and perceptions revealing the devastating effects of the two World Wars on the family and the country.

"Good Behaviour" is a darkly humorous and compelling novel that delves into the dysfunctional lives of the St. Charles family. Set in the early 20th century, the story is narrated by Aroon, the youngest daughter, who chronicles her family's eccentricities, secrets, and the complex dynamics that shape their relationships. As Aroon navigates her way through a world of privilege and societal expectations, she grapples with her own desires and the consequences of her actions. With sharp wit and keen observations, the novel explores themes of love, betrayal, and the lengths people will go to maintain appearances.

"Dog Years" is a novel set in Germany during the rise and fall of the Nazi regime and the aftermath of World War II. The story is told from the perspectives of three friends: Walter Matern, a fervent Nazi supporter; Eduard Amsel, a Jewish artist who creates scarecrows; and Harry Liebenau, who narrates their stories. The novel explores the complexities of friendship and identity amidst the backdrop of war, guilt, and redemption. It also delves into the psychological impact of the Holocaust on German society and the struggle to come to terms with its horrific past.

This novel delves into the life of Leni Pfeiffer, a resilient woman surviving in post-World War II Germany. Through the eyes of an unnamed narrator, the story unravels Leni's life, her relationships, and the socio-political climate of the time. The narrative is presented as a group portrait, with each chapter focusing on different characters who have been part of Leni's life, highlighting the hardships and resilience of everyday people in the aftermath of war.

"The Bitter Glass" is a historical novel set in Ireland during the 1920s, a time of political upheaval and civil war. The story follows the life of a young man who becomes embroiled in the conflict, despite his initial reluctance. As he navigates through the complexities of love, loyalty, and patriotism, he is forced to confront the harsh realities of war and the profound impact it has on individuals and communities. The book offers a poignant exploration of human nature, the struggle for freedom, and the cost of political strife.

"Death in Rome" is a post-World War II novel that explores the lives of a German family, their friends, and associates during a reunion in Rome. Each character is representative of a different aspect of German society, and their interactions and experiences in the city serve as a commentary on the nation's struggle to come to terms with its recent past. The book also explores the themes of guilt, denial, and the lingering effects of war.

"The Hothouse" is a post-World War II novel that provides a critique of German society through the eyes of a disillusioned civil servant. The protagonist, struggling with the moral and political complexities of the newly formed Federal Republic of Germany, is caught in a web of bureaucracy, corruption, and personal dilemmas. The narrative, filled with vivid and darkly humorous imagery, offers a stark depiction of the political climate and social unrest of post-war Germany.

This novel follows the life of Christa T, a young woman growing up in East Germany during the 1960s. The narrative is told by a friend who pieces together Christa's life from her letters, diaries, and their shared experiences. The story explores Christa's personal, intellectual, and emotional development against the backdrop of a society marked by political repression and conformity. The novel is a profound meditation on memory, individuality, and the power of literature.

"Deep Rivers" is a novel that follows the life of a young boy who is caught between the Spanish and indigenous cultures of Peru. The protagonist is sent to a Catholic boarding school, where he experiences the harsh realities of social and racial divisions within the country. As he navigates these challenging circumstances, he develops a deep connection with the indigenous Andean culture and its spiritual relationship with nature. The novel is a profound exploration of identity, culture, and the struggle of indigenous peoples in a colonized society.

"A World for Julius" follows the life of Julius, a young boy from a wealthy, aristocratic family in Peru. The novel is a biting social critique of the Peruvian upper classes, as seen through the eyes of Julius, who is often at odds with his family's values and lifestyle. The narrative explores themes of class, privilege, and the struggle for identity in a world dominated by wealth and social status.

The novel tells the story of a young Irish woman, Eilis Lacey, in the 1950s who, unable to find work at home, is sent to Brooklyn by a helpful priest where she builds a new life. She finds work, studies to become a bookkeeper, and falls in love with an Italian plumber named Tony. However, a family tragedy forces her to return to Ireland, where she must choose between her new life in America and her old life at home.

"Patterns of Childhood" is a semi-autobiographical novel that explores a woman's struggle to reconcile her past as a member of the Hitler Youth in Nazi Germany with her present as a writer in East Germany. The protagonist uses her memories, dreams, and conversations with her brother to confront her guilt and shame over her involvement in the Nazi regime. The narrative shifts between past and present, creating a complex and layered exploration of guilt, memory, and the process of coming to terms with a traumatic past.